BOARD & STAFF
What PAWS does would not be possible without our team’s dedication and hard work. Each manager, staff person, and board member plays a role in helping each Assistance Dog Team be successful.
PAWS MANAGEMENT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Michele Suchovsky
Michele Suchovsky is the Chief Executive Officer of Paws With A Cause (PAWS), leading the organization since 2018. With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience across multiple West Michigan organizations, she has a strong track record of driving impact and innovation.
Under her leadership, PAWS successfully completed a $10 million capital campaign to renovate its campus, expanding its ability to serve clients and communities. She also launched the Purposeful Placements department, developing facility dog programs and advancing animal-assisted services.
Michele holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, John, and their three beloved dogs: MADGE, a PAWS Ambassador dog; HADDIE, a PAWS breeding mama; and Freddy, a spirited rescue pug/Chihuahua mix.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, Teri Crosby
Teri Crosby is the Chief Financial Officer at Paws With A Cause (PAWS), bringing over 30 years of financial leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. A graduate of Aquinas College with a degree in Accounting and Finance, she is committed to ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of PAWS.
Before joining PAWS, Teri honed her expertise at Beene Garter and Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co., P.C., specializing in financial strategy, compliance, and resource optimization. At PAWS, she leads financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, aligning fiscal strategies with the organization’s mission and vision.
Known for her collaborative and transparent leadership style, Teri works closely with the executive team, board of directors, and stakeholders to drive financial accountability and growth. She resides in West Michigan, where she enjoys spending time with family and staying engaged in her community.
CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER, Ashley Diersch
Ashley Diersch is the Chief Advancement Officer at Paws With A Cause (PAWS), leading fundraising and communications efforts to expand the organization’s reach and impact. She holds a Communications degree from the University of Michigan and advanced degrees in Leadership from Lawrence Technological University and Central Michigan University. In 2023, she earned her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential.
Ashley’s nonprofit career began at Special Olympics Michigan, where she specialized in fund development and corporate sponsorships. She later spent nearly a decade at Kids’ Food Basket, ultimately serving as Vice President of Development and leading major campaigns that raised $8.5 million for expansion projects. Prior to joining PAWS, she was Vice President of Community Impact at Meals on Wheels Western Michigan.
Deeply involved in the community, Ashley serves on the board of AFP West Michigan and No Surrender Run Club and volunteers with Girl Scouts Michigan Shore to Shore. She lives in Caledonia with her husband, Carl, and their golden doodle, Colby Jackson.
PAWS STAFF
Administrative Staff
Michele Suchovsky, JD, Chief Executive Officer
Andrea Kelly, Executive Assistant to the CEO
Teri Crosby, Chief Financial Officer
Kim Blozinski, Mailroom Clerk
Kelly Jo Crabb, SHRM, Human Resources Director
Tony Clementi M.Ed., Staff Development & Education Officer
Advancement Staff
Sidney Baxter, Communications Manager
Kristy Blackmore, Special Events Manager
Hailey Dard, Communications Coordinator
Ashley Diersch, CFRE, Chief Advancement Officer
Meaghan Heyboer, Development & Database Coordinator
Sara Markman, Donor Engagement Specialist
Teresa A. Newmarch, MPA, CFRE, CAP, Leadership & Legacy Giving Director
Paula Pasma, Development Operations Specialist
Carina Quirin, Graphic Designer
Programs Staff
Kirstin Allen, Trainer Assistant Program Coordinator & Staff Trainer
Glady Alvarado-Castro, Building Care Associate
Ruby Alvarado, Building Care Associate
Mary Blain, Volunteer Liaison
Dawn Bohan, National Breeding Coordinator
Heather Brower, Trainer Assistant 2
Brandon Burkett, Trainer Assistant 1
Becky Canale, Director of Client Services & Assistance Dog Training
Leo Castro, Building B Building Care
Yoni Castro, Canine Care & Volunteer Associate
Megan DeGraaf, Foster Puppy Trainer
Kilee Fisk, Assistant Breeding Department Coordinator
Linda French, Staff Field Representative
Debby Gaylor, Breeding Department Admin Assistant
Mike Hanna, Director of Purposeful Placements & Campus Volunteers
Nicole Hall, Vet Assistant
Liz Hood, Staff Field Representative, Southeast Michigan Foster Puppy Trainer
Cindy Holmes, Prison Program Coordinator
Jacob Kamphouse, Building Care Associate
Marybeth Laansma, Client Services Associate
Allison Lake, Building Care Associate
Kim Lucas, Purposeful Placements Associate
Ellen Martin, Staff Field Representative
Becca Mele, Clinic Manager
Niki Messenger, Canine Care & Volunteer Associate
Wendy McIntosh, Vet Department Administrative Assistant
Carolyn Payson, Building B Kennel & Volunteer Manager
Rebecca Porter, Canine Care Specialist
Dr. Elizabeth Ritchie, DVM, Staff Veterinarian
Chris Schwallier, Client Services Associate
Crystal Snyder, Training Manager, Certified Animal Trainer- US Dept of Labor
Maddison Smith, Staff Trainer, Certified Animal Trainer- US Dept of Labor
Kathryn Sweeney, CPDT-KA, Staff Field Representative
Jordan Thiede, LVM, Vet Technician- General Practice
Kevin Thiel, Facilities Manager
Eliese Tilman, Staff Field Representative
Julie Thorington, Volunteer Coordinator
Melissa Trendt, LVM, Vet Technician & Breeding Liaison
Rachel Vargo, Staff Field Representative
McKenzie VanderWeide, Canine Care & Volunteer Associate
Donna Venner, Building A Front Desk Associate
Laurie Volpe, Staff Field Representative
Ashley Ward, Canine Care Specialist
Tiffany Wass, Trainer Assistant 2
Kelly Wass, Purposeful Placements Program Manager
Hailey Wilcox, Building B Groomer
Pam Yano, Field Representative Network Coordinator
Ambassador Dogs

CHEWY

MADGE

PAWS BOARD
Executive Committee
Sara Osterman, Board Chair
Anne Barea, Vice Chair
Amanda Boyd, Treasurer
Molly Koroleski, Secretary
Full Board
Anne Barea
Amanda Boyd
Babette Burleigh
Christina Elmore
Kevin Hurn
Shelley Irwin
Scott Johnson
Molly Koroleski
Val Lego
Sara Osterman
Kyle Pung
Chris Pucci
Faye Richardson-Green
Adam Russo
Jeff Salowitz
Gina Schremser
Dave Smith
Jessica Ann Tyson
Toyia Turner